Governor Steve Beshear today joined community leaders and officials from UGN Inc., in Somerset, to announce the company is expanding its 300,000 square-foot manufacturing operation. The project will result in 50 new jobs and a nearly $5-million investment in the Commonwealth.

“We’re excited that UGN is expanding its operation here in Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “Adding 50 new jobs, in addition to the more than 170 existing UGN jobs in Somerset, will benefit people throughout the entire Pulaski County region.”

UGN Inc., which has six facilities in North America, produces acoustic carpet systems and a variety of sound treatment and interior products for North American and Japanese automotive manufacturers. The company was recently awarded several new business programs for Nissan, Honda and Toyota.

“The continued support by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Governor's Office, along with securing incremental automotive business for our Somerset plant, has allowed UGN to continue to grow and increase the number of team members employed in our facility, while also securing long-term financial security for our current team members,” said Peter Anthony, CEO of UGN Inc. “This public and business alliance should be viewed as the benchmark for good cooperation around a common goal, increasing employment and economic growth of Kentucky businesses.”

The Somerset production facility was the first to produce a patent technology for an acoustic carpet system, while also being responsible for producing a variety of sound treatment and interior products.

“These initiatives are key to helping local businesses keep up with the changing economic climate of the 21st century,” said Sen. Vernie McGaha, of Russell Springs. “It’s important we give our business owners the tools they need to keep them around for years to come.”

“UGN’s expansion represents not only the confidence they have in our local work force, but also the increasing confidence the automotive industry has in our Commonwealth,” said Rep. Tommy Turner, of Somerset. “These new high-paying, high-quality jobs will expand UGN’s Somerset workforce to more than 220 employees, which represents a boost to the local economy and the continuation of providing superior built components for UGN’s customers.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved UGN, Inc. for tax incentives up to $1.5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows the company to retain a portion of its investment over a 15-year period through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

“I appreciate UGN’s confidence in its Somerset facility and workers,” said Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler. “This expansion will create at least 50 new jobs with an investment of $5 million. I, along with the Somerset City Council, am pleased to work with Gov. Beshear and his economic development team, the Somerset/Pulaski County Industrial Foundation and city staff in developing an incentive program that will not only retain hundreds of jobs, but also add dozens more to the area.”

“It’s another great day for Pulaski County with UGN’s announcement of an expansion and additional employment opportunities,” said Barty Bullock, Pulaski County Judge-Executive. “UGN has proven to be a great asset to the county and I’m extremely pleased with this new investment in our workforce.”